February is Gifted and Talented Education Month

The Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education appointed by State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick  hosted a reception on February 16th celebrating the Governor’s Proclamation of February as Gifted and Talented Education month. The proclamation affirms that Maryland, recognized as having the number one school system in the nation, now aims to reach world-class standards and must identify and nurture those gifted and talented students in all cultural groups who have the potential to perform at remarkably high levels.  It was inspiring to hear from students from all across our state speak about their passion for learning, the support they received from their teachers and family members, and the impact of gifted and talented program opportunities on their ability to realize their potential.
 

February Book Club selection

Our February Book Club selection is The Rock and the River by Kekla Morgan.  It is Murray Hill's turn to lead the discussion at Barnes and Noble on this historical novel about the Civil Rights Movement.  The main character Sam is the son of a civil rights activist who believes that you can effect change without using violence.  As Sam gets older he begins to wonder if this is possible.

It's not too late to join Book Club.  See Mrs. Singleton for details.

November Book Club selection is Chains

I have been consumed with the Hunger Games trilogy after our great discussions about the book.  Now, it's time to start Chains.  I have been a fan of Laurie Halse Anderson's work for several years.  Chains is a historical fiction novel set during the American Revolution.  I will be very interested to hear what the 8th graders studying American History think of the Patriot/ Loyalist debate as it is presented in this novel.

Looking forward to hearing all of your thoughts about the novel.  It's not too late to join Book Club.  Please invite your friends to join our group.

Announcing Our NEW MHTV Crew!

Ms. Jones and I are so excited about our new MHTV Crews!  Crew lists were published and announced today and new positions will start next week, Monday, October 11th.  We can't wait to get to know all of our new members.  Kudos to our leadership team for all of their hard work and dedication during this first month of school.  We could not have done it without you!

MHTV is a daily news broadcast BY kids FOR kids.  That's right - we want our kids to learn the production skills, leadership skills and teamwork to become producers and technology leaders in charge of the show.  We also want our viewers involved.  That is why we have started a request line for music requests!  We hope you will take a minute to share a great song with us that we can play on the air!

Stay tuned to MHTV for more information about MHTV and ALL of the awesome programs we have at our school.

Auditions Today

Thank you to all the students who auditioned today for MHTV. Students were enthusiastic and well-prepared for the interview. We have many talented students in our school with an interest in technology and desire to work as a team to communicate important news to our student body. Please stay tuned to MHTV for follow-up information regarding crew assignments and report dates.
I am really excited to work with our new MHTV crew members this year!

MHTV Auditions

Thank you to all the students who submitted applications to participate in MHTV this year.
All students who followed the application process and turned in their applications on time have earned an interview/ audition on Spetember 30th.
Congratulations! You can prepare for your audition by practicing reading a news script. Try to sound like a real new anchor and show your enthusiasm.
Passes will be distributed in homeroom on Thursday. Stay tuned to MHTV for more important info. about auditions.

•  6th grade auditions will take place during Core 1. 
•  7th grade auditions during Core 3, and
•  8th grade auditions during Core 4.

Deadlines are Closer Than They Appear

Remember to fill out applications to join GT Instructional Seminars!
Book Club due ASAP to Mrs. Singleton
MHTV due Wed., 9/22 to Media Ctr.
All other seminars due Fri., 9/24 to Mrs. Singleton
(Debate, Memory Book, Green Team, Problem Solving, Digital Media and research investigations)
Stay tuned to MHTV for important information about seminar meetings!